IN the coming general election, it seems every party has its Prime Ministerial candidate. But what is most bizarre is the claim of RJD leader Laloo Prasad Yadav. He is convicted in a fodder scam involving embezzlement of hundreds of crores of rupees. But he also aspires to be the Prime Minister of the country. He is confident that he will rally back and will soon be right on top in Bihar. The ordinance seeking to reverse a Supreme Court ruling that disqualified convicted MPs from contesting the election was crushed a couple of months ago. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi driven by a crusading zeal had the ordinance thrown out. However, Laloo Prasad Yadav has indicated that he has nothing against young Rahul Gandhi. According to him, the ordinance was not to be passed to save him. But he refused to elaborate his views.
On the contrary, Laloo showered high praise on the Gandhi dynasty as he had done often in the past. But he knows that he has to win in his own bailiwick to become Prime Minister of the country in the event. So he wants an alliance with the Congress in Bihar. But as far as he is concerned, Rahul Gandhi is unlikely to have any truck with a tainted politician like him and his hope to be Prime Minister is a pipe dream. In Bihar, he has to contend with a highly acclaimed leader like Nitish Kumar. True, Laloo has the acumen of a political magician. As Railway Minister, he had proved himself to be the most efficient among the whole lot. His RJD has always been in alliance with the Congress and the UPA. But his personal equation with Sonia and Rahul Gandhi is far from helpful to him. The Gandhis at least show lip service to integrity.
